Destination: Subaru IRONMAN Canada in Stunning Whistler

Built on the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics and offering athletes a majestic course in a world-class destination, Subaru IRONMAN Canada is the place to race in 2014.

Representing almost 30 years of IRONMAN racing, Subaru IRONMAN Canada debuted last summer in Whistler, British Columbia. It might have been a new venue, but the race is steeped in history—the first North American IRONMAN qualifying event was held in 1986 in Penticton, B.C. The event has found a new home at a venue all-too-familiar as a host to world-class events—long known as one of the world’s premier ski resorts, Whistler was home to the Olympic Winter Games in 2010.

Big enough to have all the amenities of a world-class resort, Whistler enamored IRONMAN competitors and their families with its unique mountain culture and hospitality. The vibrant base Village, hiking trails, epic skiing and snowboarding, four championship golf courses, restaurants and bars, along with accommodation to suit every budget, make it a perfect venue for a full-distance event.

In 1914, Myrtle and Alex Philip set up a fishing lodge on Alta Lake, which quickly became the most popular resort destination in the region. By the 1950s other lodges opened in the area, taking advantage of the abundant fish stocks. In the early 1960s a group of Vancouver businessmen decided to create a ski site that might be able to host the 1968 Winter Olympics. The resort was opened in 1966 and, by 1992 Whistler, along with Blackcomb Mountain, was named the "Number One Ski Resort in North America" by Snow Country Magazine. Hosting the Olympics in 2010 has left Whistler with both a spot on the world stage and legacy centers including Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park and Whistler Medals Plaza as well as the Mountain Bike Park and the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Now, adding to the international flavor and prestige of the area is the oldest IRONMAN event on mainland North America.

A spectacular course

Carrying on in IRONMAN Canada fashion, the challenging course showcases western Canada in all its beauty. Competitors will race past glacial-fed freshwater lakes, streams and rivers framed by the majestic Coast Mountain Range.

The day begins begins with a two-loop swim in Alta Lake. The 112-mile bike takes athletes along the Sea-to-Sky Highway before climbing into the Callaghan Valley, site of the Nordic skiing events during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. After descending back to the highway, athletes pass through Whistler on their way north to Pemberton and T2. The marathon run follows the meandering valley trail, allowing spectators to reinvigorate athletes with a return through Whistler Village at the halfway point of the run. The two-loop run course finishes among cheering crowds, adjacent to the Whistler Olympic Plaza.

Things to do:

Athletes and their families can enjoy a myriad of activities in addition to taking in the spectacular scenery. Some options include:

Rocky Mountaineer

Discover the dramatic beauty of the Sea to Sky Corridor from onboard the Rocky Mountaineer Train. You’ll enjoy front row seats to the endless array of breathtaking ocean views, waterfalls and mountains as you travel through canyons and up steep climbs. More information here.

Whistler PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience

The PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience allows you to access both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Marvel at the views from the surrounding mountains, lakes, glaciers and forests and Whistler Village. Choose from short, family-friendly strolls on wide paths to more advanced hikes to lakes, glaciers and alpine meadows. All ability levels are welcome. More information here.

Scandinave Spa Whistler

The Scandinave Spa combines rustic elegance with majestic scenery in a tranquil, secluded setting. Renowned for their energizing and relaxing properties, the Scandinavian baths cleanse the skin, improve physical conditioning and promote a sense of well-being. Not only does Scandinave provide a Scandinavian baths experience, but also Swedish, Sports, Hot Stone and Thai Yoga massages. More information here.

Other fun activities

There’s so much to do in Whistler in the summer. From high adrenaline activities like ATVing and white water rafting to scenic experiences like ziplining and trail biking to one of Whistler lakes, it’s all waiting for you to come and explore. More information here.